Chris Czynszak | Decibel Geek

2013 marks the 40th year of existence for Hottest Band in the Land. So, it makes perfect sense for us to use episode 73 (as in, 1973) as a chance to time travel to numerous destinations that played a part in the overall history of KISS.

Joining on this global KISS trek is author Chris Epting. Chris is the perfect guest for this conversation as he’s written a number of travel-related books on different eras of pop culture as well as his recently-released e-book, ‘All I Need to Know I Learned from KISS: Life Lessons from the Hottest Band in the Land.’ This book is filled with stories of how being a KISS fan shaped Chris’ life and affects him even today. If you are a hardcore KISS fan, this book is definitely for you as it will certainly elicit some familiar emotions.

1. 10 E. 23rd Street – The Loft

The birthplace of KISS. This location is the spot where Paul, Gene, & Peter first auditioned Ace Frehley and the band took shape. The location is now next door to a comic book store that has an inventory that includes KISS comic books. Go figure.

2. 108 116 W. 43rd St. – Hotel Diplomat

The location that allowed KISS to secure management as Bill Aucoin, Sean Delaney, & Eddie Kramer all witnessed this hungry, young band that wore lots of makeup and electrified the audience in this downtrodden ballroom. A great history of the Hotel Diplomat can be found HERE.

3. 47-03 Queens Blvd. – Coventry

Site of some of the earliest KISS shows before they became a touring act. Coventry changed their name from ‘Popcorn’ just as KISS began their run playing the location. Footage of one of their Coventry performances is on the KISSOLOGY series of DVDs. A fantastic in-depth history can be found HERE

4. 4 Pennsylvania Plaza – Madison Square Garden

The site where KISS’ dream was realized. During the band’s earliest years, while performing at dive bars all over the country to sparse crowds, the band would psyche themselves up by imagining that that night’s venue was “the Garden.” This is also the site of this week’s guest Chris Epting’s first concert in 1977.

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Cameron Adams | News.com.au

The 63-year Simmons has added a speaking engagement in Melbourne during Kiss’ tour next month.

Tickets to hear Gene Simmons range from $1500 for platinum seats to $285 for gold seats and $108 for the cheap seats.The speaking tickets are more expensive than those to see Kiss perform live with support acts Motley Crue and Thin Lizzy.

Only one hundred of the $1500 tickets will be sold, which include a lunch package with Simmons in attendance for two hours, a photograph with Simmons and one item signed as long as it is not a guitar.

Cashed up Kiss fans also get a t-shirt which reads “I had lunch with Gene Simmons” for their $1500.

The speaking engagement takes place at Etihad Stadium on March 5 from 10.45am, requiring many fans to take the day off work.

Fans have already been stung for Kiss Australian concert tickets which include a $600 VIP dinner package, $250 for the “Monster zone” and $125 for the cheapest seats.

The band sold a $1500 VIP ticket which includes a personal meet and greet with Simmons and bandmate Paul Stanley, as well as priority seating at the concerts.

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